Leicestershire Police prevents crime well but needs to improve its service to the public

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the force was ‘good’ in four areas, ‘adequate’ in two areas and ‘requires improvement’ in two areas.

HMICFRS said that the force prioritises preventing and deterring crime and is committed to problem-solving and evidence-based policing. Inspectors said that the force’s prevention directorate carries out an “impressive range of activity, projects and functions”, which will lead to sustainable reductions in future demand on the force. There has also been a renewed focus on connecting with its communities at a neighbourhood policing level.

The inspectorate found that the force effectively pursues high-risk suspects and wanted persons to protect the public from harm. Inspectors also said that a daily force management meeting reviews all high-risk cases, and targeted interventions and arrests happen promptly.

However, HMICFRS found that the force does not always respond to calls for service within its target timescales, and callers aren’t always updated if there are delays. Inspectors said that this could lead to a loss in public confidence.

The inspectorate also found that the number of crimes the force solves following investigation is too low. Inspectors said that the force needs to better understand the barriers to successfully bringing offenders to justice and achieve better outcomes for victims.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said: “I am pleased with the performance of Leicestershire Police in keeping people safe and reducing crime. But to provide a consistently good service, it needs to improve in some areas.

“I am pleased that the force places a priority on preventing crime. The prevention directorate is an area of strength and innovation for the force, and with continued investment it should help to solve local problems and keep people safe.

“However, the force needs to improve its service for the public in some key areas, such as responding to the public and investigating crime to secure justice for victims and keep communities safe.

“Leicestershire Police, in common with many other forces, is facing financial challenges, but I am reassured by the plans that the force has in place to meet these ongoing pressures.

“I congratulate the officers and staff of Leicestershire Police for their efforts to keep the public safe and I will continue to monitor progress in the areas where the force needs to improve.”

Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Rob Nixon welcomed the publication of what he described as “a strong and largely positive report” about the force’s performance.

Mr Nixon said: “I would like to welcome this strong and largely positive report from policing’s inspectorate. It recognises the improvements and investments we have made in service and standards, and indicates we remain one of the leading forces in the country.

“We have more to do as a force, of course, but in light of national pressures and the budget challenges we have faced locally, this is a good report showing we are on track to make further progress.

“I was pleased that our efforts in prevention, supporting our young-in-service workforce, and working closely with our communities were highlighted by the inspectorate. I was also grateful to the inspectorate team for recognising the improvements and gains we are already making to respond to calls for service and achieve better outcomes for victims.

“We strive to be a leading force in the country that local people trust. This report is a stepping stone to help us achieve this and it is very welcome. Our public pledge is underpinned by good service and high standards. Our investments in local policing, training, digital infrastructure, and a focus on investigations will continue to improve our service for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”

Rupert Matthews, police and crime commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “The officers and staff of Leicestershire Police have worked hard to secure these very creditable outcomes and their contribution to creating safe and prosperous communities should be acknowledged.

“We are all aware that the HMICFRS inspection regime has changed the gradings system for all forces, which means that any comparison with previous gradings is inappropriate.

“That said, I welcome the report which will provide a useful baseline for future improvements.  I look forward to seeing the force’s plans to implement the Inspector’s recommendations and deliver the improvements our residents expect and deserve.”